The clinical service is staffed with 8 Consultant Haematologists for interpretation and advice. The technical and clinical service is provided by Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Clinical Scientists (CS), Associate Practitioners (AP) and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA). In 2024 the laboratory processed 600,000 full blood counts, 250, 000 HbA1Cs & 100,000 clotting requests, with 10% growth each year. Haemoglobinopathy testing is also undertaken, including sickle cell and thalassaemia (SCT) screening for the antenatal and newborn programmes.
The Blood Transfusion laboratory issued over 13,000 blood components and processed 50,000 group and save samples. It also supports the Adult Major Trauma Centre at NBT and provides blood components to two air ambulances for the prehospital setting.
The department has been approved for BMS training by the IBMS and our Trainee BMS staff are trained in accordance with the IBMS and HCPC regulations. Our qualified staff (CS and BMS) are required to be registered with HCPC. The department is also accredited to train staff undertaking the STP and HSST programmes with the National Science Healthcare school. There is active encouragement for staff to follow further education courses, such as MSc (Haematology) and management qualifications.
The Department has a dedicated Quality Manager who is responsible for maintaining accreditation and compliance to ISO 15189 and BSQR (https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/severn-pathology/quality/pathology-accreditation-status) . The department participates in all appropriate External Quality Assurance Schemes accredited to ISO 17043 (https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/severn-pathology/quality/external-quality-assurance) for which performance is closely monitored.
Clinical Head of Service
Dr Alastair Whiteway
Blood Sciences Manager
Mrs Allison Brixey
Blood Sciences Operational Manager
Mrs Joanne Skingley
Haematology & Transfusion Laboratory Hours
Monday-Sunday including bank holidays: 8am - 10pm
Specimens received outside these normal opening times are classified as “out of hours”. Out of hours blood product requests must be discussed with the Biomedical Scientist on call. The Biomedical Scientists should always be informed of urgent analytical requests.
Test Information
Includes details of sample types, volumes, special precautions, turnaround times & reference ranges.